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1 John 4:7-21

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The God of Fruition -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to b
Getting It Right -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Someone has suggested a powerfully illuminating analogy.
Do You Understand? -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
“If you don’t know where you are going,” says an ancient source, “any road will get you there.”
Of jungles and gardens -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
After Margaret Mead, the world-renowned anthropologist, gave a presentation at a university, she hos
Extension cords -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- David Kalas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Our family moved into a new house recently.
Love, American style -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
Do you remember the 1970s television show Love, American Style?
Roots -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
Years ago many of us were enthralled with Alex Haley's story, Roots.
Love is both tough and sensitive -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
In Acts 8, 9, and 10 we have the stories of three conversions -- the unnamed eunuch from Ethiopia, t
Abide with me -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
About the author
Leveraging the family genome -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Roman historian, Herodotus, told of the pride the Egyptians had in being the oldest

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

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Love that never runs out -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Isn't it a wonderful day?
Brothers and sisters -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning! How many of you have brothers and/or sisters
Love God by loving people -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
I brought today's newspaper because it tells me something
God is love -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Have you ever thrown anyone a
Seeing better -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to test our eyesight.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Easter 5 -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Acts 8:26-40

Drama

SermonStudio

Righteous Rudy And Judgmental Judy -- Isaiah 45:11-13, 18-19, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:9-17, Psalm 33 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2024) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 8:26-40
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2021) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Acts 8:26-40
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2018) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Acts 8:26-40
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2015) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Acts 8:26-40
When Melinda Gates returned from Bangladesh... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
When Melinda Gates returned from Bangladesh where she observed the humanitarian work being performed
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (2012) -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Acts 8:26-40
Acts 8:26-40br... -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Acts 8:26-40
James Leigh Hunt's poem Abou... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
James Leigh Hunt's poem Abou ben-Adhem tells the story of a Muslim man who has a visit from a
The centrality of love in... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
The centrality of love in the Christian message matches the proven need for love in human life.
Julian of Norwich believed that... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
Julian of Norwich believed that "love" was the only word that could be used to describe God.
The text describes love itself... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
The text describes love itself as the very image of God present in God's people.
A trip to a haunted... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2003
A trip to a haunted house recently turned into a lesson in love for two little six-year-old twin gir
Even before my son was... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
Even before my son was born, I loved him.
A missionary in Africa, describing... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2000
A missionary in Africa, describing the birth of Christ, told the people about God's love gift.
A good shoe will take... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
A good shoe will take on the unique form of the foot that wears it.
In the World Almanac, I... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1997
In the World Almanac, I recently counted at least 152 different Christian denominations in the Unite
God's love is powerful indeed... -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1994
God's love is powerful indeed, but it is not an isolated entity.

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

SermonStudio

Easter 5 -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayWhat God's love does to us. Collect of the Day
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Revised Common Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 8:26-40 (C, E)
Christ is the vine and we are the branches. -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: The life of faith, begun in baptism, remains alive if we stay close to Christ.
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Psalm 98 gave this Sunday its name, Cantate: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellou
Fifth Sunday of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- George M. Bass -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1990
Psalm 98 gave this Sunday its name, Cantate: "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellou
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

SermonStudio

I Love You, Too -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Nancy Kraft -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
When someone says, "I love you," the natural reply is, "I love you, too." If you're in a loving rela
Love -- The Only Absolute Commandment -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John T. Ball -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Love is central to the New Testament message. Jesus called his followers to practice love.
Easy To Say; Hard To Do -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Paul E. Robinson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and ag
Love's Expectations -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- John A. Stroman -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Our text expresses the heart of the Gospel: God's love for the world is revealed in the life of Jesu
Love And Friendship -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- 1997
A boy was asked about his family, when he enrolled for church school.
God Is Love For a Child Trapped in a Fire -- Psalms 121, 1 John 4:7-21 -- Anthology
C. David Godshall

The Village Shepherd

Love -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Some years ago I baptised a beautiful child.

Stories

StoryShare

New Coke, Old Vines -- John 15:1-8, Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Keith Hewitt, B. Kathleen Fannin -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Contents"New Coke, Old Vines" by Keith Hewitt
Eunuch -- John 15:1-8, Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- David O. Bales, C. David Mckirachan -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Eunuch" by David O. Bales
Abiding In Christ -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Frank R. Fisher, B. Kathleen Fannin, Cynthia E. Cowen -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Breakthrough! -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- B. Kathleen Fannin -- 1993
CRACK! Suddenly the universe went into slow motion. She was

Worship

The Immediate Word

On the Way to Gaza -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
For April 28, 2024:
The Hard Work of the Spirit -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Chris Keating, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 2, 2021:
Two Conversions -- Acts 8:26-40, John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Thomas Willadsen, Ron Love, George Reed, Christopher Keating -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Note: This installment is still being edited, but for purposes of immediacy we are posting it fo
Beloving -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Robin Lostetter, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
This week’s epistle text from First John (4:7-21) presents us with a mandate to “love one another
By This We Know -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2012
Last week the lectionary texts focused on the Good Shepherd, and identified a key aspect of shepher
Not A Chance -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Her Name Is Philip -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Thom M. Shuman, Carter Shelley -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the U.S.

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipBased on 1 John 4:7-21. Leader: Love -- what is love?
Tell Me -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 -- James R. Wilson -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1996
Call To Worship
God Is Love -- 1 John 4:7-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
Suggestions:Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- B. David Hostetter -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 1993
* CALL TO WORSHIPSeek the Sovereign of all nations. Praise God and be in good
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Thanksgiving
30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 1
31 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 2
32 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
21 – Worship Resources
30 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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John Jamison
Object: A heavy coat for one of the children to wear. Make it as heavy as possible by adding rocks, bags of rice, or other heavy objects in the pockets. For more fun, also have a few extra heavy things you can give the child to hold or put on to wear. When you select the child to wear the jacket, select one for whom the jacket will feel pretty heavy. Select a second child to be the “friend” in the story.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! Let’s get started!
John Jamison
Object: A colorful flower like a Bird of Paradise or something with an interesting-looking blossom. If you are not near a florist, many grocers have flowers like these available. Just change the name of the flower in the message as you talk about it.

* * *

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
For December 1, 2024:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. (v. 26)

Ernie Vohland was the baker in Montello, Wisconsin, when, fresh out of seminary, I was appointed to serve as pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in 1978. He was one of the first people I met on Sunday morning, and later at Leone’s Bakery when I stopped in for sweet rolls the next day, Ernie wouldn’t let the new preacher pay. 
Frank Ramirez
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (v. 25)

Did you ever think about the word “earworm?” The very idea of a literal earworm, some sort of parasite caught inside your ear is such a disturbing image I hate to even think of it. I apologize, but if you some of you need to get the wiggles out go ahead and shake your shoulders a bit.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bonnie Bates
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 33:14-16
God proclaims that the promises made to Israel will be kept. It brings to mind the question, “How good am I at keeping promises?” Do I blithely make a promise and then forget about following through? Do I make a few promises and diligently keep every single one? Do I avoid making promises, so I don’t have to keep them? I’m not sure in which category I fit and maybe the category changes from day to day and circumstance to circumstance.
Mark Ellingsen
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Joel 2:21-27
Andrena Sawyer once wrote, “God’ s restoration will go beyond what was, to set a new standard for what is good.” Restoration and renewal are important concepts for us as human beings.
Frank Ramirez
Thanksgiving is one of the most blessed, most anticipated, and most dreaded holidays on our calendar. The expectations are so high, and oftentimes we’re the ones setting the bar against which we measure ourselves. In the midst of giving thanks, these three scriptures give us a different perspective.

Joel 2:21-27

SermonStudio

Mary Austin
As this Advent season begins, what have you promised yourself about the holidays this year? Are you vowing to have a simpler Christmas? Planning to make time for some activity you love, or time with beloved people?

What promises are ahead for your family? Do you know some kids who are waiting eagerly to see what Santa will bring? Adults who are waiting eagerly to collapse, and finally get some rest? People who find this time of year hard, and are just hoping to get through it?
Wayne Brouwer
"Screw your courage to the sticking-place," says Lady Macbeth to her doomed husband in Shakespeare's tragedy, "and we'll not fail." But fail they do and no amount of courage in the world can save them or turn them into heroes.

Courage is a funny thing. It's a bit like happiness: the more you seek it, the more you demand it, the more you try to call it up, the less it shows its face.

Richard A. Jensen
It had been a tough week for Glenda Kruse. Glenda was a real estate agent and she had sold only one home during the entire month of November. She was getting desperate. She had to make a living after all.
James Evans
There is perhaps no greater challenge to the life of faith than suffering. There is an implicit expectation that God, who is strong and loving, will protect those who are weak. When tragedy befalls the innocent, it is hard not to wonder about God's strength or goodness, or both.

Stephen M. Crotts
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on it. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by being anxious add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing?
Mary S. Lautensleger
In the parable of The Giving Tree, a young boy would gather his favorite tree's leaves on mild autumn afternoons. He fashioned them into a crown for his head and played king of the forest. The tree was fun to climb, and he loved to eat its delicious apples. The boy enjoyed swinging from the tree's branches, and discovered a shady resting place beneath those same branches on hot summer days.
John A. Stroman
Joel informs the people of Judah that God has willed that humankind should have abundant life. This abundant life is characterized by good relationships with others, with all of God's creation, as well as the land and all its creatures. He points out that this abundant life of relationships is possible by first having a harmonious relationship with God. The prophet warns Judah if they desert God, making God unnecessary, and turn to other sources for life, then Judah is faced with hopelessness and the threat of annihilation.
Harold C. Warlick, Jr.
A minister held an administrative position in a major university in a large city. Part of his responsibility was overseeing the program for minority students in that school. The counselor for minority students and the faculty members teaching and working with minority students were under his supervision. The program had not been well run, so prior to his arrival the school had terminated the entire staff. He had to employ a new part-time director for the program.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

As we enter the dark season of Advent, representing the darkness of the world before the light of Christ came at Christmas, let us hold before God any darkness and suffering we ourselves experience, whether at school or at work or in our home lives. (Pause for a few moments silence.) Let us remember that Jesus Christ takes our darkness and suffering and transforms it for us.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, darkness can be scary. When we are afraid, Lord, have mercy.

Special Occasion

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